In the Senate, a tie vote is broken by whom?

In relation to bureaucracies, what is the meaning of a "merit system"?

A. Officials consider the merits of policy proposals before undertaking action. B. Individuals requesting service need to earn "merit points" in reviews. C. Individuals take an examination to receive a position, or receive a position based upon some perceived objective skill. D. The legislature and executive decide on bureaucratic proposals

How has the appointment and approval of lower federal courts changed in the past three decades?

A. Since most important decisions are made by the Supreme Court, few government officials express much interest in who sits in the lower courts. B. The tradition of "senatorial courtesy" has disappeared completely. C. Senators have increased their ability to select the lower court judges who will operate in their states. D. The confirmation of lower court judges has become more hotly contested. E. The Senate and the presidency have come to agree that partisan factors should not intrude on judicial concerns, and that nominees should be judged solely on their professional qualifications.